The Value of Caring for the Poor

During our last trip to Haiti a team joined us from Alabama. After a few short weeks of exposure to the culture and conditions of life in a third world country here is what they had to say: (And I think we can all learn something from their observations)…

“The meaning of one day at a time, maybe an hour, or even a minute was so clear to me in Haiti. We could all learn from our sisters and brothers in Haiti how to totally depend on JESUS and worship and love Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 has a different meaning for me now. When they speak of tomorrow, the add “if God willing”, they don’t take things for granted, they depend on HIM. Worshipping the same LORD with them in a different language is something that I will never forget. I can say visiting Haiti and their people has been a life changing experience for me and I believe our whole group” -Joann

“I learned many things in Haiti, but the most applicable thing I learned seemed to be that there are many things that I cant control. I’ve learned that God will provide and protect me through whatever situation, and I take great peace in knowing that. I learned this by the Haitians utter dependence on God, for EVERYTHING. The trip to Haiti was the most meaningful trip I had ever been on, and I loved every moment of it. Thank you Linda and Gary for everything you are doing to shine God’s light in Haiti” -David

“My first trip to The ROCK opened my eyes to many things I had not experience before. I learned that you don’t have to have everything we think we must have to be happy. The children taught me that they can survive and be happy with so much less. They depend on God to supply their needs and He does. Of all the lessons I learned, one stands out head and shoulders above the rest in my heart and this is what I feel God would have me to tell you about. I admire the passion and dedication both Pastor Gary and Linda have for the people of Haiti. I thank God for their friendship and look forward to returning to The ROCK and it’s many wonderful people that shine God’s love to all they meet” – Cathy

“Hebrews 11:1-3 “These verses I received by email from my mom as I was on my flight to Haiti. Little did I know these verses would prove so true through the Haitians… As I look at the faces of the people, the children and see that it doesn’t take much to make them happy. If they have a meal in front of them, or a coloring page to color, they’re happy. I have been humbled, hurt and touched by the Haitians. I knew at the end of the week I had an air conditioned home to come home to… But for the Haitians they need a home to live in, a bed to sleep in, any transportation, clothes, and a job that pays more than $600.00 a year. We as Christians need to pray for Haiti, for God to give them a better way of life. I see now that many Haitians have the faith mentioned in the Bible and through the Lord Jesus Christ they know they will have a better place. And as for me, I came from Haiti with the knowledge I can live on a lot less and God has blessed me so much. I thank Mr. David and the team for allowing me to go with them on this trip and I thank Brother Gary, Mrs. Linda, Elijah and Gabriel for their hospitality. I look forward to seeing you again” – Dustin

I believe God calls us to work with the poor for several reasons. First, it opens our eyes to what matters most in this life. In affluent societies it is easy for us to become comfortable and lose sight of what’s important. When you are stripped of everything but the bare essentials you begin to see the value of faith and hope and love.

Secondly, exposure to extreme poverty teaches us to lean on Jesus every moment of every day. When you are sick and there is no doctor, when you are hungry and there is no food, when you are cold and there is no blanket; where do you turn? In America we turn to Walmart. In Haiti (if you are a Christian) you turn to God. Regardless of whether we know it or not we are all in desperate need of Christ. Whether you are ‘rich, and wealthy, and in need of nothing’ (Revelation 2:17a), or you are ‘miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’ (Revelation 2:17b). No matter your physical situation in this life we are all EQUALLY in need of a Savior…

And sometimes, when everything else is taken away, we finally come to understand this reality.